Yes — and you can do it with class. All Saints' Day (November 1) is one of the busiest days of the year in Krakow; cemeteries fill with families, traffic on the streets increases, and public transport runs in an enhanced mode. With a good plan and a bit of flexibility you can see the main sights on the first day and dedicate a quieter, more atmospheric day to Rakowicki Cemetery on the second day. In this article you will find a practical plan, etiquette rules and logistical tips so your visit is safe and respectful.
The plan is written for visitors using public transport, walking and short rides by taxi or city bike.
If you arrive by car — expect traffic restrictions and difficulty parking around the necropolis; a better choice is to leave the car at parking lots near terminal stops and continue by tram or bus.
Remember: November 1 is a time of special reflection for residents — courtesy and discretion are more important than “checking off every point”.
Below you will find a concrete, timetable-style plan for two days and a checklist of things to keep in mind.
Morning: Old Town and Wawel. Start early — around 8:00–9:00 — to avoid the largest crowds in the tourist core. A walk around the Main Market Square, the Cloth Hall and the narrow streets leading to Wawel will give you a sense of Krakow’s history and let you see the most important monuments in a short time.
Noon: lunch near the square or in a quieter part of Kazimierz. If you want to feel the local vibe, choose a smaller family café or a restaurant serving Polish cuisine. Keep it moderate — you’ll need energy for an afternoon walk.
Afternoon: shorter strolls around Kazimierz or the Planty. In November light the streets look particularly picturesque — if the weather is kind, walk the Planty and see how the city prepares for the holiday.
Evening: an atmospheric dinner and a calm walk. On the day before All Saints' Day make time to rest — the next day can be emotionally intense, especially at the cemetery.
If you come across local memorial concerts or organ recitals — these are an excellent way to feel the holiday atmosphere without entering the most crowded parts of the necropolis.
Rakowicki Cemetery is one of Krakow’s most important and charming necropolises. During All Saints' Day there is an atmosphere of reflection here; the city and order services prepare additional traffic organization and support for visitors.
Preparation before you go: check opening hours and the enhanced public transport schedule; many operators run extra trams and buses, and temporary traffic changes apply around the cemetery. Use timetables and transport apps to plan your trip and return.
How to start: come earlier — in the morning or late afternoon. The highest crowd levels often occur around midday, so a morning walk gives you more time to quietly view graves and monuments.
What to see: beyond characteristic tombstones and sculptures, pay attention to the graves of notable Cracovians, historical plots and chapels. The cemetery is also an architectural space — alleys, stone fences and funerary details deserve attention.
Etiquette and behavior: keep quiet and keep your distance from people visiting graves; do not stand on graves, do not make noise, do not pose for photos in places that may disturb families; do not use loud music. Photograph discreetly and respectfully — if in doubt, ask the family present at a grave for permission.
Candles and grave lights: if you buy a candle, take care of safety — do not leave open flames unattended; bring a lighter or long match and remember to take your waste with you. In many places collections are also organized for the restoration of historic tombs — if you want to donate, do so unobtrusively and only at official points.
Assistance: the city provides practical information — orientation maps of the necropolis and tools helpful for finding graves (an online grave locator). It’s worth using it when you’re searching for a specific grave in the crowd.
Safety: city and security services patrol more frequently around cemeteries; despite this, look after your personal belongings — large crowds encourage petty theft. Carry a bag or zipped backpack on the front and keep your phone and documents in a safe place.
Public transport: during All Saints' Day the Transport Authority prepares an enhanced offer — extra trams and buses are launched, and some routes may run temporary lines directly to the necropolises. Check current municipal announcements before leaving — you will avoid getting stuck in traffic and unnecessary driving around the center.
Restrictions and detours: temporary changes in traffic organization and parking restrictions often apply around cemeteries. If you arrive by car, park in official places designated by the city and be prepared for a longer walk.
Taxis and return trips: demand for taxis increases on All Saints' Day — consider booking in advance or lining up at official ranks. An alternative is to return by public transport from a nearby stop.
For people with reduced mobility: the city informs about points and facilities for people with disabilities; use official guidance and help points if you need assistance.
When planning journeys, allow extra time for walking and checks, especially on days with the highest traffic.
Photographing: pictures of the cemetery and its architecture are fine, but be sensitive when photographing people visiting graves. Do not set up models on graves or block alleys.
Drones and noisy devices: out of respect for visitors and for legal reasons avoid using drones over the necropolis and loud devices within it.
Contacting families: if you want to ask for permission to photograph a specific grave or chapel, approach politely and accept a refusal without discussion. Respect is fundamental — this is not the time for debates or “ticking off” more sights.
Remember that for many residents this is a day of remembrance and mourning — your behavior reflects your cultural attitude toward the community you are visiting.
If you want to capture atmospheric frames — use morning or late-afternoon hours when light is soft and crowds are smaller.
Smaller necropolises: Krakow has many smaller, quieter cemeteries that offer an atmospheric experience without the crowds. They are a good choice when Rakowice is full.
Churches and memorial concerts: in the days of remembrance many churches organize masses and organ concerts — a perfect alternative for visitors seeking reflection in a calmer setting.
A walk along the Planty or the Vistula: if you want to feel the November mood of the city without crowds, choose the narrow alleys of the Planty or a walk along the Vistula — these offer silence and time to think.
If your goal is reflection rather than finding a specific grave — choose one of these options and behave with dignity.
If you visit with family and there are elderly people among you — plan shorter walking sections and breaks in cafes with easy access to restrooms.
Documents and money: card, small cash for candles and possible donations, identification document.
Clothing: layers — November can be cold and damp; comfortable walking shoes, a light coat and an umbrella or rain jacket.
Supplies: lighter or long matches, a small bag for trash (to take candle packaging away), tissues, a water bottle.
Electronics: fully charged phone, powerbank, headphones — but use them in a way that does not disturb others.
Safety: take care of valuables — carry them close to your body, do not leave them visible in the car.
Special: if you are looking for a specific grave, enter the name in the online grave locator before leaving — it will save time and frustration.
This list will help you spend time in Krakow comfortably and in the most respectful way possible.
Visiting Krakow during All Saints' Day is a unique experience: on one hand the beauty of the urban scenery and historic details, on the other hand days of reflection and the personal emotions of residents. Approach this day with empathy and calm.
Don’t try to “check off” too many places at once. It’s better to see less, but with respect and attention, than to rush and miss what really matters.
If you wish — make a donation for the restoration of historic tombs or support official social initiatives connected to the necropolises. It’s a simple gesture that will be appreciated by the local community.
I wish you a calm, respectful visit to Krakow. If you need individual help planning a route or would like me to prepare a plan matched to your pace and interests — feel free to contact me via the zwiedzaniekrakowa.com website.
No rush, with class and an open heart — that is the Krakow that stays in memory.
